The Blue Heeler and Chihuahua are popular breeds well-loved by many. If you’re a fan of the individual breeds, what if we told you a Blue Heeler and Chihuahua mix exists?
As with most cross-breeds, it’s hard to predict which traits the offspring will get from which dog. What we can do is tell you what we know about this new designer breed so you can make an informed decision about whether this might be the dog for you. So keep reading to out more about the Blue Heeler Chihuahua mix.
Blue Heeler Chihuahua Mix
The Blue Heeler and Chihua mix, or “Chi-Heeler,” is the offspring of a male Chihuahua and a female Blue Heeler. When crossbreeding dogs of such dissimilar sizes, the female needs to be the larger of the two.
Similar to other cross-breeds, no two Chi-Heelers are exactly alike since they differ in the traits they take on from each parent. Depending on which parent a pup gets its genes from, a litter can have varying sizes, temperaments, and appearances. For example, a Chi-Heeler that inherits more from its Chihuahua sire will likely be smaller.
Size
The Blue Heeler and Chihuahua vary widely in size. Chihuahuas stand 6 to 9 inches tall, while Blue Heelers are generally 21 to 25 inches tall. Due to this vast variation in size, we cannot accurately predict how large a Chi-Heeler will be. Hybrids typically come in between the two parents in size—the average size of a Chi-Heeler is between 12 to 15 inches.
As we stated earlier, the female needs to be the larger of the two dogs, so it has enough room for the puppies to grow. Female Chihuahuas already experience difficulties giving birth to pups, and most even require a C-section.
Appearance
Chihuahuas come in many colors, variations, and markings. They may be light brown, all black, silver, white and black, and even have a tri-color coat. Their fur can be short, long, or slightly curly. The appearances vary across varieties, but most Chihuahuas have a narrow apple-shaped face and big, upright ears. Their large, prominent eyes are a distinctive feature. Most Chihuahuas are generally small, and teacup varieties also exist.
Blue Heelers, also called Australian Cattle dogs, generally have red or blue coats. Their fur is sometimes mottled or speckled with other colors, such as brown and white. Although the Blue Heeler’s coat is black, it features tiny white hairs that give it a blueish tint. Their fur is generally short and dense, while their bodies are muscular and thickset. They have a long tail that hangs low.
Due to their parents’ varying characteristics, Chi-Heelers can differ widely in appearance. Although their bodies will be more muscular than a Chihuahua, we can’t know how their eyes, ears, and tails will look. With the many color variations across breeds, Chi-Heelers often have a striking appearance. They could be of any color from blue to silver with beautiful mottled or speckled fur. Their coat pattern will undoubtedly set them apart from other dog breeds, including Chihuahuas and Blue Heelers.
Weight
Chihuahuas are one of the smallest dogs in the world and weigh only 6 pounds or under, while Blue Heelers range in weight from 35 to 50 pounds, making the Blue Heeler significantly larger than a Chihuahua.
The size difference indicates that the Blue Heeler Chihuahua mix ranges between 15 to 40 pounds.
Exercise Needs
A Blue Heeler Chihuahua Mix has parents with high exercise needs. Both Chihuahuas and Blue Heelers make highly energetic and active pets. Although the Chihuahua does well with indoor exercise, the Blue Heeler needs plenty of space to run around and release energy. In addition, both these breeds are intelligent dogs and need mental stimulation as much as physical stimulation. Training and games will help keep your Blue Heeler Chihuahua mix healthy and engaged.
A Blue Heeler Chihuahua mix will likely have high exercise needs. They will need ample mental and physical stimulation, and you should ensure they have it. If your Blue Heeler Chihuahua mix does not get enough exercise, she can become excessively bored and turn to destructive behaviors. As with most active breeds, the Blue Heeler Chihuahua mix can develop behavioral problems if its exercise needs are unmet.
If you have a small apartment and are looking for a dog that can stay in one place, the Blue Heeler Chihuahua mix will not be a good fit. People with ample space for exercise and an active lifestyle are well suited to adopt a Chi-Heeler.
Health Problems
Chihuahuas are small, delicate dogs that can develop several health problems. They are also prone to many congenital diseases passed on to Chihuahua pups. The common health problems include:
Luxating Patella– the kneecap can slip out of place temporarily.
Hip Dysplasia– the hip joints do not fit perfectly together, leading to issues such as arthritis.
Hydrocephalus– fluid can build up around the brain.
Eye problems– Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (dry eye syndrome) and Entropion (inward rolling of the eye).
Legg-Perthes Disease– a painful condition in which the hip joint deteriorates over time.
Chihuahuas can also develop dental problems due to the shape of their skull and have trouble giving birth to puppies.
In comparison to Chihuahuas, Blue Heelers are healthy, energetic dogs. They rarely suffer from health problems other than Hip Dysplasia, which either parent can pass. Other health issues rarely seen among Blue Heelers include retinal atrophy, a condition that causes blindness, and deafness.
However, a Blue Heeler Chihuahua mix is much healthier than a Chihuahua. Breeding the Chihuahua with a Blue Heeler is beneficial in preventing health issues for the offspring. Many of the Chihuahua’s health issues result from its small size. Since the Blue Heeler Chihuahua mix is bigger, it’s less likely to suffer from those issues.
A health issue your Chi-Heeler could probably suffer from is Hip Dysplasia since both parents are prone to it. In this case, detailed family history, including any illness information, is necessary to rule out these issues in your Chi-Heeler puppy.
Temperament
To understand the Chi-Heeler’s temperament, you should consider many things. First, Chihuahuas are known for their talkative nature and will often bark, while the Blue Heeler is generally quiet, calm, and collected. The Chihuahua Heeler mix could be somewhat barky but quieter than a Chihuahua.
Chihuahuas and Blue Heelers have much in common except their size and barking tendencies. Chihuahuas and Blue Heelers both make excellent watchdogs due to their watchful, alert, and loyal nature. They are both highly energetic and can stay awake throughout the night to guard your house. Since both the Chi-heeler’s parents share these characteristics, the Blue Heeler Chihuahua mix is also an excellent watchdog.
Another characteristic that Chihuahuas share with Blue Heelers is their assertive attitude. They are frequently aggressive or hostile towards other dogs and unfamiliar humans. As a result, the Blue Heeler Chihuahua mix can be challenging to manage for a first-time dog owner. However, the Chi-Heeler is also easy to train since Chihuahuas are eager to please, while Blue Heelers are intelligent, obedient dogs. It is better to start training your Blue Heeler Chihuahua mix puppy at around eight weeks of age. The sooner training starts, the more effective it is in the long term.
Price and Adoption
The price of a Blue Heeler Chihuahua mix depends on various factors, such as size, health, and coat color. The price also varies based on which parent the puppy is similar in appearance to, the Chihuahua or the Blue Heeler. Generally speaking, the price for a Blue Heeler Chihuahua mix ranges between $900 to $1200. If you wish to buy the puppy, opt for an AKC-certified breeder. Screen your puppy for health issues such as hip dysplasia and retinal atrophy. A detailed family history of illnesses is necessary, along with DNA tests.
A better option than buying a Chihuahua Blue Heeler mix puppy is adopting it from your local shelter or rescue center. Thousands of puppies and dogs are looking for a loving home at your local top. You might have to pay a small fee when adopting the dog, but it will be much less than the price set by a breeder. When adopting your puppy, inquire about his vaccination status, health issues, and family history. Although rare, some Chihuahua Blue Heeler mix dogs can suffer from blindness or deafness. Know what you are getting into before adopting a Chi-Heeler puppy with health issues and disabilities.
Is The Blue Heeler Chihuahua Mix A Good Fit For You?
The Blue Heeler and Chihuahua are both beloved and popular pets for different reasons. While Chihuahuas have unique personalities and are loud and bossy, the Blue Heeler is more calm and collected. Combining these breeds results in a beautiful, healthier dog less prone to the various health issues Chihuahuas experience. The Chihuahua Blue Heeler mix will undoubtedly be the center of attention due to its striking appearance.
However, adopting a dog is more than just having an adorable companion. Although rare, your Blue Heeler Chihuahua mix could suffer from specific health issues. Additionally, the assertive attitude inherited from both parents can cause difficulties for first-time pet parents. However, their people-pleasing nature and intelligence make them easy to train. Chihuahua Blue Heeler mix dogs make loyal companions and excellent watchdogs when trained well.
Blue Heeler Chihuahua mix dogs are well-suited for someone with an active lifestyle. Due to their small size, Chihuahuas don’t need as much exercise despite being energetic pets. The Blue Heeler Chihuahua mix is bigger than a Chihuahua, so they need more exercise and space.
